D-NOW Weekend | Jonah 4

Have you ever had a moment of unprecedented success? If so, how did you respond? If not, how do you think you would respond? Many of us would expect to have positive reactions when we accomplish a great task. Not Jonah. God used Jonah to deliver what was arguably the most effective sermon in world history at that point in time, yet he was angry. More than simply being angry, Jonah was angry at God. Why was he angry? Much of his anger is rooted in his background. Jonah loved Israel. He was a prophet of God who held a high position within the national ranks. Yet, God had chosen him to be the instrument of mercy to Israel's enemy. He could not fathom that God would be willing to extend mercy to a city that had been so ruthless to His people. However, upon receiving a call to go to Nineveh and call out against it, Jonah knew what God had in store. God was going to send a spiritual awakening to Nineveh. Throughout the book, and culminating in chapter 4, the reluctant prophet slowly discovered that his ideas of God did line up with reality. Jonah's idea of God stemmed from his idolatrous desires. He wanted a God he could control, rather than submit to. He was offended when the Almighty stepped out of line by offering mercy to the wicked. Jonah did not believe that God's actions were good. He could not see what God was doing in the grand scheme of things. By the end of the story, we discover that God's goal is repentance, not just from the city, but also from the prophet. Join us on Sunday as we examine Jonah's story of disobedience, reluctance, anger, disbelief, and redemption. Here is our outline: Why was Jonah angry at God? 1) God’s actions clashed with Jonah’s theology. (V1-5) 2) God’s actions clashed with Jonah’s perspective. (V6-11) Discussion Questions for Kids (K–5th grade) 1. Jonah’s Anger Why was Jonah angry after Nineveh listened to God and turned from their sins? Have you ever been upset when someone else got something good that you didn’t think they deserved? 2. God’s Mercy What does it mean that God showed mercy to the people of Nineveh? How does God show mercy to you when you do wrong things? 3. Jonah’s Perspective God gave Jonah a plant for shade and then took it away. Why did God do that? (Hint: to teach Jonah a lesson about His care for people.) What was God trying to show Jonah about His heart for all people? 4. Connecting to Us Do you ever wish God would only love certain people and not others? Why do you think we sometimes feel that way? How should knowing that God loves everyone — even our “enemies” — change how we treat others? 5. Pointing to Jesus Jonah didn’t want to forgive his enemies, but what did Jesus do for His enemies? (He died for them — and for us!) How can remembering Jesus’ love help us show mercy when we don’t feel like it?